Tue, 03 Feb 2026

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 Door is open to customs union talks with UK, EU says

Valdis Dombrovskis says the EU is willing to engage with Britain amid mounting global uncertainty.

* European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis says the EU is "ready to engage" on the issue
* Britain and the EU could remove most food checks between the two regions
* The EU's defence loans scheme could be opened up to British participation
* A customs union would eliminate tariffs or taxes on some goods, but critics say it would limit the UK's ability to strike global trade deals
* Labour MPs are calling for a customs union with the EU, while Justice Secretary David Lammy says it could boost economic growth
* Dombrovskis says Britain is unlikely to rejoin the single market due to freedom of movement requirements
* The "Quint" group, consisting of UK and EU ministers, aims to meet regularly to coordinate responses to global uncertainty
* Talks on a youth mobility scheme are reportedly "very advanced"
* Progress has stalled on Britain's participation in the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) scheme.
  >>